Multilayered photovoltaic device on envelope surface

Abstract

A multilayered photovoltaic device ( 11 ) formed on internal surface of small glass sphere ( 10 ) provides sustainable power for a sensor, communication and data processing means secured inside the sphere. The sphere is encapsulated by a transparent rubber cover ( 21 ) to provide for a deliverable miniature mote to be in intelligence, defense, security and many other civil applications.

1 - 52 . (canceled) 
   
   
       53 - 101 . (canceled) 
   
   
       102 . A photovoltaic device, including a photovoltaic element including a plurality of layers of film, and an envelope, at least a portion of the envelope having a curved profile; wherein the photovoltaic element is comprised of layers of film and is formed on the inside surface of the envelope. 
   
   
       103 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 102 , wherein the envelope forms a dome containing the device. 
   
   
       104 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 103 , wherein the dome is mounted on a substrate forming a base of the dome. 
   
   
       105 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 102 , wherein the envelope is in the form of a sphere. 
   
   
       106 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 102 , further including an electronic apparatus mounted within the envelope and being electronically connected to the photovoltaic element, the photovoltaic element being arranged to provide electric power to the electronic apparatus. 
   
   
       107 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 106 , the electronic apparatus including a transmitter. 
   
   
       108 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 107  further including an antenna connected to the transmitter, the antenna being formed by a conductive region of the envelope. 
   
   
       109 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 107 , further including an antenna connected to the transmitter, the antenna including a conductive member extending outwardly from the envelope. 
   
   
       110 . The photovoltaic device in accordance  claim 102 , further including an energy storage device. 
   
   
       111 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 110 , the energy storage device being in the form of a thin layers formed proximate the layers of the photovoltaic element. 
   
   
       112 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 102 , further including a sensor. 
   
   
       113 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 112 , the sensor extending outwardly of the envelope. 
   
   
       114 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 102 , in the form of a mote arranged to provide information about an environment. 
   
   
       115 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 114 , the device being enclosed in a resilient cover. 
   
   
       116 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 114 , having an outer shape which is aerodynamic. 
   
   
       117 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 114 , further including means for orienting the device. 
   
   
       118 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 117 , wherein the orienting means includes a predetermined center of gravity of the device. 
   
   
       119 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 118 , wherein the orienting means includes a projection projecting outwardly of the device. 
   
   
       120 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 117 , wherein the orienting means including an adhesive portion on an outer surface of the device. 
   
   
       121 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claims 102 , the device being mounted on a substrate and being electrically connected to the substrate. 
   
   
       122 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 121 , including a channel through the envelope to a conductive layer of the device and a conductor connecting the conductive layer to the substrate. 
   
   
       123 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 121  wherein the substrate includes a grid of conductors and the photovoltaic device is electrically connected to the grid. 
   
   
       124 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 121 , wherein the substrate includes a depression, and the photovoltaic device is mounted within the depression. 
   
   
       125 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claims 121 , the substrate including reflective means to reflect radiation incident on the substrate towards the device. 
   
   
       126 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 102 , wherein the photovoltaic element is a thin film photovoltaic element. 
   
   
       127 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 126 , wherein the thin film photovoltaic element is a Dye Solar Cell (DSC) element. 
   
   
       128 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 127 , wherein an internal electrode of the DSC element comprises carbon. 
   
   
       129 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 127 , wherein the device stores a reservoir of electrolyte to provide an electrolyte supply to an electrolyte layer of the DSC device. 
   
   
       130 . The photovoltaic device in accordance with  claim 102 , a resilient material being provided within the device to secure elements of the device and provide mechanical rigidity. 
   
   
       131 . The photovoltaic device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.